There are a few things you need to know first about raw before getting a yes or no answer. Raw food must be handled properly, by washing your hands before and after handling, keeping it frozen for long term storage or adequately refrigerating it for feeding within 72 hours. Do not feed any raw product that is designed to be cooked before consumption (i.e. anything you purchase from a grocery store in a raw form), this meat must be cooked to eliminate all contaminates before eating. Prepared raw dog food is safe to consume raw and was handled in a much cleaner way than the meat we eat (even organic meat!).

Prepared diets like Stella & Chewy’s or Bravo also have a long list of vitamins, minerals and a live culture of pro-biotics added to ensure your dog or cat is getting a balanced diet. This is one of the most important parts of a raw diet, and it is what separates cooking for your dog vs. buying a complete product. When you cook for your dog many people often forget to add a vitamin supplement, most commercial pet foods add vitamins to their product, so you should too if you are making your pet’s dinner. Even with your best attempts ensuring that the diet is balanced, vitamins and pro-biotics can protect your dog from slow digestion, fatigue, and even malnutrition. Don’t skimp or forget this step if you cook for your pet, but make sure you read the label of your dog food too, if there is not a long list of vitamins you may need to reconsider!

For an answer we say no, prepared raw food diet is not dangerous, if you handle and store it properly. What we love about raw food is that it’s fully digested by your pet so they absorb as much nutrition from their food as possible. Enzymes that live inside your pet’s pancreas and digestive tract recognize raw best, and often dogs that have digestive issues, food allergies and hot spots thrive while eating a prepared raw diet. It’s also important to recognize that raw diets have 90% or more moisture in them ensuring your pet is adequately hydrated. How often do we see the posters around town reminding us to bring and consume adequate water? Do we consider our pets in this too? Raw ensures they are getting the moisture they need to stay hydrated along with the fresh water you make available.

The Moab BARK PARK is here!

This is a project that was 5 years in the making, and on Sept. 24th the ribbon was cut and the city welcomed our first dog park. Many people have already started enjoying this amenity, and here’s what is included as well as some of the rules and expectations.

The park is almost one acre located at 300 S 100 E, just off the Millcreek trail. Entirely fenced, there is a general area, and a small dog only area (30 lbs. or less) to ensure safe play for everyone. There are water fountains for people and dogs, lots of trees for shade, plenty of poop bags and lots of space for you to play and interact with your dog, and other dogs with their owners.

To make your trip to the park more enjoyable for you and your dog, you should know what to expect of yourself and others. Here are some of the basic rules and regulations you should know before going!

The park is an off leash area. Persons in charge of dog and their pet will use at your own risk.

All dogs must be current on vaccinations, and have a visible license and rabies tag.

Dogs must be under voice control at all times

Owners must closely supervise their dogs and remain in the enclosure at all times

Feces shall be removed and disposed of properly

No Children under the age of 6, children 6 – 14 must be accompanied by an adult

No more than 2 dogs per owner

No food in the enclosure

Prohibited: Dogs under 6 months, dogs in heat or ill, dogs with internal or external parasites, aggressive or overly fearful dogs, collars that are choke, pronged or spiked

Owners must possess valid identification to enter park

Dogs shall not dig or disturb park resources

Any violations should be reported to Animal Control at 435-259-8938

Hiking with Your Best Friend at Dead Horse Point State Park

Do you love hiking with your best friend? Bring your furry friend to Dead Horse Point State Park and explore seven miles of scenic dog-friendly trails.

Sweeping views of the Colorado River and the canyons below await you both. Along the way, you may see many types of desert animals, such as chipmunks, squirrels, lizards, snakes, rabbits, hares, fox, and deer. In the spring the trails are bordered with delicate desert wildflowers adding color to the rugged landscape.

A few things to know before your visit to the park:

Sandstone tends to be very rough on city dogs’ pads, so you may want to bring somepad salve or booties along toprevent cracks, abrasions or gashes.

Check your dog’s pads often since they may notlet you know they’re hurt with all of the new smells around.
Be sure to bring plenty of water for you both, there is little shade along the trails.

For safety reasons, dogs are not allowed on the Intrepid Bike Trail.

Protect the park’s wildlife and keep your pet safe by keeping your dog leashed (nolonger than six feet) and under your control at all times.

Dog supplies are available in the visitor center gift shop.

You can read this article and more on the Utah State Parks blog at www.stateparks.utah.gov. Friend us on Facebook and receive all the latest Utah State Park news.

Dead Horse Point State Park is located nine miles north of Moab on US 191, and 23 miles south on SR 313. The visitor center is open daily from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. from March 15 to mid-October and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. through the winter. Park admission is $10.
Contact the park at 435-259-2614.